International vs. Domestic Adoption
The obvious difference between international and domestic adoption is simply that you either are looking to adopt a child from another country or you prefer to find one within the United States. The two processes are also handled differently because the criteria for other countries may not be the same as in the United States, and costs generally tend to be more predictable and less expensive for domestic adoption.
Many people also prefer this type of adoption because they can adopt an infant more easily and begin the bonding process between child and parents right from the start; children adopted from other countries are rarely younger than 6 to 18 months. It is also easier to obtain medical, cultural, and biological information with domestic adoption. Many parents of internationally adopted children may not even know the medical condition of their child until he or she is adopted, and then he or she would eventually be curious about heritage and culture.
Different Adoption Methods
There are a few different approaches you can choose from concerning domestic adoption. You can use a lawyer to adopt, use private means, or use an adoption agency. Research the possibilities of all the opportunities you are interested in. You should especially review all the fees required by lawyers and agencies for adoption, as well as additional expenses that may not be included in their price.
Costs of Adoption
All kinds of adoption can run up some hefty bills and domestic adoption for newborns are no exception. One considerable cost is paying for some of the birth mother’s living expenses. Each state requires a certain amount, ranging from several thousand to only three or four thousand. Limiting your adoption options to states with lower requirements is helpful if money is a problem. Also, if for some reason the adoption does not happen, you will most likely not get any of that money back.
All states have their own relinquishment laws concerning domestic adoption as well. Some states allow the biological mother weeks after the birth to change her mind, while other states may only allow 48 hours before her rights are relinquished. This point is something else you should keep in mind; you would not want to take home a baby only to have the birth mother take it back a month later.
Open vs. Closed Adoption
Closed adoption, also called traditional adoption, is when you have no contact with the birth parents before or after the birth. All necessary activities are done through an agency or lawyer. Open adoption is when you – the adoptive parents – and one or both of the birth parents have communication with each other before and after the adoption. Open adoption is much easier for domestic adoption because the birth parents are located in at least the same country, if not the same state, and future contact and visits can be arranged if desired. Generally, choosing open adoption will help make you a new parent faster as well.
By Monica Drusch